Organization Objectives

ARTH’s mission is to provide quality healthcare to the poor as well as technical training to health workers and practitioners in rural Rajasthan. It aims to:

• Strengthen the quality of primary healthcare for children
• Improve access to healthcare in rural areas

• Lower reproductive mortality, morbidity, and unwanted pregnancies through a woman-centered approach

• Advocate policy change for gender equality, human rights, and healthcare access in India

 

Program Information

 

1.Operational Research

This program addresses the high rates of child mortality and malnutrition by connecting potential healthcare recipients with appropriate health service centers in rural Rajasthan.

 

Opportunities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on topics of reproductive health, child health, adolescent health, and health infrastructure
• Develop an effective data analysis system
• Visit surrounding villages and specific households to assess needs
• Oversee informational workshops on health and reproductive issues
• Evaluate current projects for grant consideration
• Assist in lobbying process to enact policy change

 

Requirements

• Intermediate level of Hindi
• Undergraduate education
• Background in health services
• Ability to cope with frequent traveling to remote villages, long stays in villages with limited facilities

 

2.Health Advocacy

The advocacy program lobbies official bodies for changes in the healthcare system at the state and national level. ARTH is actively involved in utilizing its research findings to advocate and influence government policies and programs and was recently involved in the development of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

 

Opportunities

• Assess issues and healthcare needs of surrounding communities
• Write and submit recommendation proposals to official bodies
• Design and oversee presentations for various national and international workshops in which ARTH participates
• Assist in project writing, strategic planning, and creative writing

 

Requirements

• Intermediate level of Hindi
• Undergraduate education
• Educational background or previous experience in health services
• Ability to cope with frequent traveling to remote villages, long stays in villages with limited facilities

 

3.Technical Assistance through Training

This program offers training to health workers, volunteers, and practitioners to improve and enhance current medical practices, increase efficiency, and facilitate service delivery and treatment.

 

Opportunities

• Assist the current staff with developing and implementing training workshops in child health and contraceptive services
• Research needs for antenatal and post partum care, first aid practices, and obstetric emergencies
• Submit proposals to create an efficient delivery system of all services
• Design an awareness-building program on positive healthcare practices for local communities

 

Requirements

• Intermediate level of Hindi
• Undergraduate education
• Education background or previous experience in health services
• Ability to cope with frequent traveling to remote villages, long stays in villages with limited facilities

 

4.Field Health Program

The field program provides healthcare to over 50,000 residents in the rural area of southern Rajasthan. The health program attempts to deliver services and information in a manner that is culturally sensitive to social, economic, and gender issues.

 

Opportunities

• Assist is the provision of clinical and extension services
• Assess local social conditions to identify potential challenges to progress
• Evaluate local health conditions to identify needs in areas of reproductive and child health
• Design culturally sensitive educational materials that deliver information accurately
• Develop program to effectively deliver materials and education to community

 

Requirements

• Intermediate level of Hindi
• Undergraduate education
• Educational background or previous experience in health services
• Ability to cope with frequent traveling to remote villages, long stays in villages with limited facilities

 

Program Supervisors (All Programs)

Dr. Sharad, the founder of ARTH is a pediatrician who has worked for UNFPA since 1999. He has authored many articles and is published in a variety of reputable development and health journals.

 

Dr. Kirti is a gynecologist from a prestigious medical institute in India, supports research on child and reproductive health issues, and has been published in several development and health journals as well.

 

Note: Responsibilities offered to each participant will be proportionate to their level of experience. Participants who are new to development work may predominantly support and assist current project agendas, while those with much applicable experience may be able to assume greater responsibility. Research projects are strongly encouraged by this organization to support each program’s objectives because minimal resources are currently allocated for research.

 

Working Conditions

ARTH is equipped with qualified and committed program staff. Interns/volunteers will work closely with several qualified development and medical professionals. This organization has a library, which is a great resource for volunteers, visitors, and program staff. The Udaipur office has several strong English speakers but highly recommends that its volunteers/interns possess a command of Hindi for fieldwork. They will frequently travel to remote villages, and experience long stays in villages with limited facilities. The office has several computers, but participants should expect limited access. Field visit sites are located at a maximum distance of 70km from Udaipur, and are accessible via public transportation.

 

Organizational Background

Dr. Sharad and Dr. Kirti founded ARTH, a public health organization, in 1997 to offer basic health services to the rural poor. Through research, policy advocacy, training, and field health programs supported by doctors, nurses, midwives, social scientists, and community organizers, ARTH has made a significant difference in the health status of rural communities. ARTH’s activities have spread across the Udaipur and Rajsamand districts and its programs reach over 50,000 people. The organization initially targeted women’s reproductive needs and children’s health, but has gradually expanded its serviced to include the male community.

 

Since inception, ARTH has received sponsorship and funding from various sources that include WHO, Geneva; Health Watch, New Delhi With Support from MacArthur Foundation; CARE & World Food Program, New Delhi; All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi; Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi; and MacArthur Foundation, New Delhi.

 

About ARTH’s clients

ARTH focuses on people living in rural communities, particularly children, throughout Rajasthan.